Kemper Development plans to build residential towers at the current site of Oriental Rug Co., which in January announced that it had sold the property to the development company. The two 14-story buildings will be joined by 250,000 square feet of retail in Bellevue Square mall.

City staff began meeting with Kemper Development representatives last month about the project.

Though downtown Bellevue has been quickly expanding its residential space, the towers would be the first of their kind in Bellevue Square. Kemper’s business transaction with the owners of Oriental Rug cost $3.13 million for the 0.30 acres. Originally the site was thought to be used for mixed retail.

Towers will include 168 units each and 1,820 stalls for parking. Kemper Development’s future development plans also include the expansion of Lincoln Square with a hotel, another residential tower, office and retail space.